The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY novel Chapter 12

Chapter 4

When I woke up, the sharp smell of disinfectant filled my nose, and the hospital’s white ceiling came into view.

“Your wound hasn’t healed, and you already have stomach issues. How could you drink like that?”

The familiar doctor sighed heavily and adjusted my IV drip.

“Doctor, how many days until I can be discharged?”

“Three or four days. But stomach problems don’t heal in a few days. Even after you’re out, you need to be careful. You can’t keep doing this to yourself.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

I smiled and thanked him, quietly relieved.

Perfect. In four days, I could still leave on schedule.

During those four days, Wes didn’t visit me once. But I saw him plenty of times

Day one: They flew to Norway.

Wes had promised me we’d see the Northern Lights together on our honeymoon.

Day two: They rode a reindeer sleigh together. In the photo, Wes was grinning.

ella’s IG.

But he never liked taking pictures with me. He’d always frown and dodge the camera.

Day three: They went deep–sea fishing, eating their catch on a yacht, gazing at each other with unmistakable

affection.

But Wes told me he got seasick and turned down my fishing invitation.

Day four, Julian Cross came to pick me up from the hospital.

I sat in the passenger seat and got a text from Stella.

[We played newlyweds for a day in a little Norwegian town. He said I’m the only bride in his heart.]

My breath caught. I zoomed in on the photo:

She was wearing a white wedding dress. Beside her stood Wes in a crisp suit.

My heart skipped several beats as a dull ache turned into a sharp blade twisting inside me. I could barely breathe.

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The Verdict on My Husbal the Judge: GUILTY

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Chapter 4

I thought I’d gone numb–that nothing about Wes could affect me anymore.

But seeing Stella in the wedding dress I designed made me lose control.

[He had his assistant fly overnight to Italy to pick up the dress you ordered.]

[He said I looked beautiful in it.]

My whole body trembled. Julian noticed immediately.

His warm hand covered mine. Voice low: “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

I locked my phone and tried to steady myself.

“Before we go to the airport, take me to the house. I need to pack up my things.”

The last time I stepped into the place Wes and I were supposed to call home, I’d already let go.

I packed up every couple’s item and threw them out. I shattered our photo in the letter I’d ever written him.

ig room. I burned every love

Finally, I had the azalea bed ripped out.

Looking at the empty rooms, I left without looking back.

At the airport, Julian reached for my hand.

I didn’t pull away. I held on tight.

Seeing the joy on his face, warmth slowly returned to my heart.

From now on, the world was wide open.

The person by my side would never be Wes again.

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